ViaSat

Senior Systems Engineer - Communication & Sensing Systems

ViaSat$180K — $285K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Electrical or Computer Engineering, focusing on Control Theory, Signal Processing, and/or Digital Communications.
  • 10+ years of experience in algorithmic system design, modeling, and deployment for complex systems.
  • Proficiency in programming languages including C++, C, MATLAB, and Python for algorithm development.
  • Deep expertise in RF systems and waveform design with a focus on trade studies and performance analysis.
  • Strong communication skills for delivering technical briefings and collaborating across teams.
  • Proven capability in system-level analysis and translating requirements into technical designs.
  • Organizational and leadership skills to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Active US Secret or Top Secret clearance and willingness to travel up to 25%.
  • Hands-on experience with digital hardware platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Lead system-level design and analysis for advanced communication and sensing systems.
  • Develop and validate algorithms for signal processing and system optimization.
  • Drive waveform design and adaptation for innovative solution development.
  • Translate mission objectives into technical solutions aligned with performance goals.
  • Implement algorithms in firmware and software to bridge theoretical and practical deployment.
  • Participate in system bring-up and integration to optimize performance.
  • Partner with teams to maintain consistency throughout the development lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and financial benefits focused on holistic health and wellness.
  • Opportunities for additional cash or stock incentives based on performance.
Full Job Description
What you'll do

Join a small, fast-paced team within Viasat's Government Space and Emerging Technologies group as a Senior Systems Engineer. In this role, you will:
  • Lead system-level design and analysis for advanced communication and sensing systems, ensuring robust performance across diverse mission scenarios.
  • Develop and validate algorithms for signal processing, control theory, and system optimization, supporting both communication and sensing applications.
  • Drive waveform design and adaptation, enabling innovative solutions for emerging technologies and mission-critical requirements.
  • Collaborate across disciplines-including systems engineering (requirements), firmware, software, and integration & test-to deliver fully integrated solutions from concept through deployment.

The day-to-day

You'll be at the center of algorithmic development and system integration for complex systems.

Your responsibilities will include:
  • Translating mission objectives into technical solutions, ensuring alignment with system requirements and performance goals.
  • Implementing algorithms in firmware and software, bridging theoretical models with practical deployment.
  • Participating in system bring-up and integration, troubleshooting and optimizing performance during hardware/software integration phases.
  • Partnering with analysis and requirements teams to maintain consistency and traceability throughout the development lifecycle.

What you'll need

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Electrical or Computer Engineering, with emphasis on Control Theory, Signal Processing, and/or Digital Communications.
  • 10+ years of experience in algorithmic system design, modeling, and deployment for complex systems.
  • Proficiency in programming (C++, C, MATLAB, Python) for algorithm development and simulation.
  • Deep expertise in RF systems and waveform design, including trade studies and performance analysis.
  • Strong communication skills, capable of delivering technical briefings and collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Proven ability to perform system-level analysis, translating high-level requirements into actionable technical designs.
  • Organizational and leadership skills, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Active US Secret or Top Secret clearance, and willingness to travel up to 25%.

What will help you on the job

  • Hands-on experience with digital hardware platforms (processors, memory, FPGAs, CPLDs, microcontrollers, networking interfaces).
  • Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including requirements flow-down, verification, and validation.
  • Experience collaborating with geographically distributed teams, driving integration across hardware, software, and algorithmic domains.
  • Background in modeling and simulation tools, supporting trade studies and performance optimization for complex system architectures.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI or SAP.

Salary range

$180,500.00 - $285,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $224,500.00- $336,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

About ViaSat

ViaSat is a global communications company that provides satellite and wireless networking technology, services, and solutions. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. ViaSat offers a range of products and services, including satellite broadband internet, in-flight Wi-Fi, and secure networking systems for government and military customers. The company has more than 6,200 employees and operates in over 50 countries. ViaSat is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol VSAT.
Learn more about ViaSat
Size
7,000 employees
Market Cap
$2.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2 million
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+12.3%
Revenue
$2.2 billion
NASDAQ

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